The Global Nuclear Energy Partnership Steering Group met in Accra, Ghana, on June 16-17, 2010, and approved unanimously several changes to reflect global developments that occurred since the partnership was established in 2007. The changes include a new name - the International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation -- and a new mission statement.
Participants in this International Framework agreed that this transformation was needed to provide a broader scope with wider international participation. This will help more effectively explore the most important issues underlying the use and expansion of nuclear energy worldwide.
The Steering Group addressed follow-up actions to the International Framework’s Executive Committee Meeting in Beijing on Oct. 23, 2009. This included ways to further enhance its activities, such as exchanging views on assurances of fuel supply and cradle-to-grave nuclear fuel management. Jordan announced that it will host the next meeting of the International Framework’s Executive Committee in fall 2010.
The International Framework’s expert-based working groups on infrastructure development and reliable nuclear fuel services reported on progress made to date as well as planned near-term activities. The Reliable Nuclear Fuel Services Working Group outgoing chair from the United States reported on work regarding selecting back-end fuel cycle options, lessons learned and resource requirements. The chair introduced the incoming chair from France.
The Infrastructure Development Working Group, currently co-chaired by the United Kingdom and the United States, reported on these items:
* Progress regarding human resource development
* Effective radioactive management strategies
* Small modular reactors
* Financing options
* Engagement with specialist organizations
* Identifying infrastructure requirements for an international nuclear fuel services framework
This was the International Framework’s first meeting in Africa, and included representatives from the following countries and organizations: Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Ghana, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Republic of Korea, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Romania, Russian Federation, Senegal, Slovak Republic, Spain, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, the Generation IV International Forum and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
